News Archive
SubscribeStrong Overnight Gusts To Bring Potentially Dangerous Windchill Values
London, ON – The strong winds that have been blowing down branches and sending recycling bins all over local subdivisions will continue overnight, bringing with them numbing windchill values that will make it feel like -20. While ambient temperatures aren’t expected to drop any lower than -12C overnight, the windchill and damp conditions that will accompany it, have prompted the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue the fourth Cold Weather Alert of the season. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for winds gusting between 20 and 40 km/h this evening, before letting up on Tuesday morning. The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect until tomorrow afternoon when the windchill eases to -14.
MLHU Issues Third Cold Weather Alert as Work Week Gets off to Frigid Start
With continuing cold weather and bone chilling windchill values expected to settle over the Middlesex-London region for the next few days, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has issued its third Cold Weather Alert of the season. Coupled with a snowfall warning for the region, the current Environment Canada forecast calls for winds gusting between 30 and 50 km/h this evening, bringing windchill values of -18 overnight. Continuing winds Tuesday morning are expected to make it feel like -16 in the morning and -23 later in the day as temperatures fall to -14 degrees Celsius by the afternoon and -20 degrees Celsius overnight. Things don’t get any warmer on Wednesday as the daytime high only reaches a very cold -16 degrees Celsius with an overnight low of -23 degrees Celsius. The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect into Thursday morning, when temperatures climb somewhat to a high of just -13 degrees Celsius, just over the Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert.
Health Unit Issues Cold Weather Alert as Weekend Set to Start With Wintry Blast
Brisk winds and frigid temperatures will return to the London and Middlesex County area this evening, bringing with them the risk of frostbite for anyone spending time outdoors tonight. Environment Canada’s forecast calls for overnight lows to drop to -18C with winds that will bring windchill values near -26, prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue a Cold Weather Alert. The alert will remain in effect into Saturday morning when temperatures climb somewhat to a daytime high of -10C. Even though ambient temperatures will climb above the MLHU’s threshold tomorrow, winds are expected to remain strong, which could result in rapidly changing temperature and windchill values, carrying potential health risks.
Bitter Temperatures Expected to Persist Into This Evening As Cold Alert Extended
London, ON – The weekend’s bitter cold continues to grip London and Middlesex County as temperatures continue to hover around -15C with windchill values of -23. Today’s Environment Canada forecast is calling for a daytime high of -11C, before things head back into the deep freeze overnight with a low of -20C and windchill values of -24. Therefore, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is extending its current Cold Weather Alert until Tuesday, January 22, when temperature will climb to a daytime high of -4C.
Health Unit Includes Vaping and Cannabis in National Non-Smoking Week Campaign
Many people across the region start the year by making a commitment to healthier living. So it’s no surprise that among the many new year’s resolutions that get made each January, quitting smoking is consistently near the top of the list. For this year’s edition of National Non-Smoking Week, which runs from January 20th to January 26th, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is not only focusing on tobacco, but is encouraging people to think about the smoking and vaping of cannabis as well.
Call for Frigid Weekend Temperatures Leads to Latest Cold Weather Alert
A very cold weekend is on the way, with the mercury expected to dip to nearly -17C Saturday night, then to -21C overnight Sunday, breaching the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert. The current Environment Canada forecast is also calling for plenty of snow this weekend, which could cause dangerous conditions for driving and for walking. The Health Unit is reminding those planning to spend time outdoors to take precautions and dress for the conditions in order to avoid possible cold-related injuries. The Alert is expected to remain in place until the morning of Monday, January 21, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to increase to a daytime high of -11C but remain cold overnight.
Temperatures to Drop Overnight as Windchill Values Make First Blast of Winter Feel Even Colder
London, ON – Winter’s mild start is taking a sharp cold turn tonight as the mercury and wind chill values drop, creating conditions approaching the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert. Environment Canada’s forecast is calling for an overnight low of -14C and wind chill values that will drop from -9 in the evening to a frigid -20 by Friday morning. Though forecast temperatures do not meet the MLHU’s threshold for issuing a Cold Weather Alert, the Health Unit is reminding anyone who will be spending time outdoors this evening, or taking part in winter activities, to prepare for the conditions.
Health Canada Advisory About Plasma Pens Prompts Advice from Health Unit
London, ON – A device used in some personal service settings and private homes across London and Middlesex County was the subject of a Health Canada advisory issued last week. Health Canada issued the news release on November 26th advising consumers that plasma pens, also known as “fibroblast devices”, are not approved in Canada. As they have not been evaluated for safety, effectiveness or quality, the agency has declared that the devices may pose health risks and is recommending that consumers avoid the use of plasma pens, whether at a spa, esthetician, cosmetic clinic, or any other location, including private homes.
Unexpected Hepatitis A Outbreak Demonstrates Local Health Inequities
An unexpected number of hepatitis A cases have been reported to the Middlesex-London Health Unit over the last few months, resulting in an outbreak mostly among under-housed or homeless Londoners, and those who inject drugs. Where the Health Unit would only expect to see about three cases of hepatitis A per year, most of them travel-related, there have been 16 non travel-related cases in 2018 so far; 15 since October 1st alone.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection to Hold News Conference This Morning
The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection will hold a news conference at 9:30 a.m. this morning to provide an important update about London’s Temporary Overdose Prevention Site and proposed permanent sites.